Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
471cc Liquid-Cooled Parallel-Twin DOHC 8-Valve Bobber Cruiser (Wet Slipper Clutch) · Source: Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2017–Present Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500) (chassis PC60/CMX500A) requires 2.5 L (2.64 US qt) of SAE 10W-30 (JASO MA, API SJ or higher) engine oil for a drain-only change and 2.7 L (2.85 US qt) with filter service (15410-MFJ-D01 / HF204). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI front (130/90-16 M/C 67H) and 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI rear (150/80-16 M/C 71H), paired with 2× NGK CPR8EA-9 spark plug(s) and a YTZ8V battery.
Drain only: 2.5 L (2.64 US qt)
R 200 kPa (2.00 bar)
Est. Range: ~302 km (188 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-30 (Alt: SAE 10W-40) · JASO MA · API SJ or higher |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 2.5 L (2.64 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 2.7 L (2.85 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 3.2 L (3.38 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 15410-MFJ-D01 / HF204 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 30 N·m (22.1 lb-ft / 3.06 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 130/90-16 M/C 67H · Rear: 150/80-16 M/C 71H (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK CPR8EA-9 × 2 (Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTZ8V (12V 7.0Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 520 Sealed O-Ring Chain (112 links) — Slack 25–35 mm |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Pro Honda HP Silicate-Free Coolant (~1.4 L) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 471 cc · 46.2 hp @ 8,500 rpm · 43.3 N·m (31.9 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 690 mm (27.2 in) · 191 kg (421 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 11.2 L (3.0 US gal) · ~27 km/L → ~302 km (188 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 12,000 km / 24,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 18,000 km / 24,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 24,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
From 2020+, the Rebel 500 gained an Assist & Slipper clutch, gear-position indicator, and LED lighting while keeping Honda’s bulletproof 471cc twin (shared with CL500 and NX500: 2.5 L / 2.7 L oil, HF204 filter).
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Because the tall-sidewall 16-inch fat bobber tires provide crucial secondary bump compliance for the short-travel rear shocks, Honda specifies 200 kPa (29 PSI) front AND 200 kPa (29 PSI) rear—never overinflate to 36/42 PSI!
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- With only 125 mm of ground clearance, slide a low-profile drain pan under the crankcase when draining oil on the sidestand.
- Despite its bobber cruiser silhouette, final drive is a 520 O-ring chain—clean and lube every 800–1,000 km.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Honda Rebel 500 cold tire pressure really 29 PSI front and rear?
Yes—Honda specifies 200 kPa (29 PSI) cold in both the 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear high-volume tires.
How much oil does the Honda Rebel 500 take with a filter change?
Drain-only takes 2.5 L (2.6 US qt), and oil with spin-on filter replacement takes 2.7 L (2.9 US qt) of SAE 10W-30 JASO MA oil.
How accessible is the Rebel 500’s 690 mm seat height?
At just 690 mm (27.2 in) with a narrow mid-frame, riders around 155 cm (5'1") can flat-foot both boots comfortably.